How to identify Bristly greenbrier (Smilax tamnoides)

How to identify Bristly greenbrier (Smilax tamnoides)

Bristly greenbrier, also known as Catbrier, Bamboo vine

Bristly greenbrier is a tenacious, woody vine distinguished by its climbing nature with the aid of tendrils. It is characterized by its spiny, bristle-covered stems that enable it to cling onto and ascend other plants and structures. The leaves of bristly greenbrier are typically broad, heart-shaped, and may vary in texture. The vine propagates through an underground network of rhizomes or by casting seeds, facilitating its spread in suitable habitats such as moist woodlands and along waterways. Its hardy nature allows it to thrive in a range of conditions, particularly in areas with rich, moist soil.

Lifespan: Perennial

Plant Type: Vine, Shrub

Leaf Type: Deciduous

Quickly Identify Bristly greenbrier

Heart-shaped leaves with smooth margins, 5 inches (12.7 cm) long and 4 inches (10.2 cm) wide.

Spiny, bristle-covered stems aiding in climbing, with initial straight spines maturing to dark brown or black.

Distinct male and female flowers; male flowers with 6 yellow, white, and green tepals, female flowers with 5 yellow, grey, and green tepals.

Small berries, 0.5 inches (1.3 cm) diameter, deep blue to black when ripe, typically containing 1-3 seeds.

Propagation through rhizomes and seeds, thriving in moist woodlands and along waterways.

Detailed Traits of Bristly greenbrier

Leaf Features

The leaves of bristly greenbrier are oval to broadly ovate/obovate, measuring up to 5 inches (12.7 cm) long and 4 inches (10.2 cm) wide. They have smooth margins, and are rounded to pointed at the tip with a rounded to heart-shaped base. The upper surface is green, while the lower surface is a lighter green. Each leaf has 3-7 parallel veins. Leaves along the stem are accompanied by a pair of tendrils at the base of their 3/4 inch (1.9 cm) stalk.

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Flower Features

The flowers of bristly greenbrier display a distinctive array of features. Male flowers are adorned with 6 tepals, showcasing hues of yellow, white, and green, each measuring about 0.2 inches (5 mm) in length, accompanied by 6 prominent stamens. Female flowers are characterized by 5 yellow, grey, and green tepals, a singular ovoid ovary, and a short tripartite style. With a subtle shine, the ovary's green hue stands out. These flowers typically bloom from late spring to early summer.

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Stem Features

The stem of bristly greenbrier is characterized by its initial straight spines and stiff bristles on the lower portions, which mature to dark brown or black. The upper parts of the stem typically lack spines. It exhibits a roughly textured surface and varies in thickness, usually 0.1-0.2 inches (2.5-5 mm). The stems often have a branching pattern that supports its climbing habit, facilitating its spread over other structures.

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Fruit Features

The fruit of bristly greenbrier is a small berry, roughly 0.5 inches (about 1.3 cm) in diameter. These berries exhibit a deep blue to black hue upon ripening and possess a smooth, glossy exterior. Each berry typically houses 1 to 3 seeds within its fleshy interior. The size and color of these berries, along with their seed count, are distinguishing characteristics that aid in the identification of the fruit.

Learn About the Fruit Glossary

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Bristly greenbrier and Their Similar Plants

Roundleaf greenbrier vs. Bristly greenbrier: What's The Difference?

Roundleaf greenbrier (Smilax rotundifolia) is a common and visually noticeable vine that grows throughout woodlands and forests in the eastern United States and Canada. Roundleaf greenbrier is edible and cooked similarly to asparagus and spinach, when cooked. The vine grows berries which are eaten by deer, birds, and rabbits.

Saw greenbrier vs. Bristly greenbrier: What's The Difference?

Saw greenbrier (Smilax bona-nox) is a woody vine that wraps its tendrils around trees, shrubbery, and along the ground. The vine is native to North America and grows throughout the world. Saw greenbrier attracts wild turkeys, squirrels, and songbirds. This species can be differentiated from other similar plants by its leathery, triangular leaves.

Cat greenbrier vs. Bristly greenbrier: What's The Difference?

Cat greenbrier (Smilax glauca) is a woodland vine plant native to the central and eastern United States. It is resistant to fire because of the properties of its root structure.

Smooth Carrionflower vs. Bristly greenbrier: What's The Difference?

Smooth Carrionflower (Smilax herbacea) is a herbaceous perennial vine that can grow to be 2.5 m long. Smooth Carrionflower blooms in late spring and early summer. It produces clusters of fragrant, greenish-yellow flowers. The blossoms have a carrion-like scent. This species attracts pollinators and birds and small animals feed on its berries.

Laurel Greenbrier vs. Bristly greenbrier: What's The Difference?

Laurel Greenbrier (Smilax laurifolia) is an evergreen herbaceous vine with leathery leaves and thorny, twining stems that grows in dense thickets. It produces a blackish-blue fruit that has been used to dye fabrics and leather. It grows in partial shade or partial sun in moist soil. Laurel Greenbrier is considered a weed in much of the Southeastern United States.

Rough bindweed vs. Bristly greenbrier: What's The Difference?

Rough bindweed thrives in tropical and subtropical regions, displaying its resilience through the robust climbing vines it employs for sunlight access. Its heart-shaped leaves are glossy and provide a striking contrast to the small, inconspicuous flowers. Notably, this evergreen's woody underground rhizomes hint at its traditional use in herbal remedies.

Lanceleaf greenbrier vs. Bristly greenbrier: What's The Difference?

Smilax maritima is a North American species of plants native to the southeastern United States from Texas to North Carolina. It is a branching vine up to 1.5 m tall. Berries are black with a waxy coating.

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Key Facts About Bristly greenbrier

Attributes of Bristly greenbrier

Lifespan

Perennial

Plant Type

Vine, Shrub

Plant Height

3 m to 9 m

Spread

1.8 m

Leaf Color

Green

Flower Size

6 mm

Flower Color

Yellow

Green

Gray

White

Silver

Gold

Fruit Color

Black

Blue

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Scientific Classification of Bristly greenbrier

Phylum

Vascular plants

Class

Monocotyledons

Order

Lilies, supplejacks and allies

Family

Greenbrier

Genus

Prickly-ivy

Species

Bristly greenbrier (Smilax tamnoides)

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Distribution Map of Bristly greenbrier

Bristly greenbrier is primarily native to eastern North America. It thrives within temperate to subtropical climates on this continent. In the course of its existence, bristly greenbrier has not been widely introduced elsewhere, thus its range remains relatively confined to its indigenous region.

Native

Cultivated

Invasive

Potentially invasive

Exotic

No species reported

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A Comprehensive Guide to Bristly greenbrier How to Grow and Care for Bristly greenbrier